The Lumineers

Originally posted at Nose in a Book. I know, I'm back with another CD review that isn't the new Mumford and Sons, miracles happen! This album, by the Lumineers, is in my top three albums of the year (the other two being this one and this one.) I am almost too much in love with this album and this band. I can read to this album, I can do homework to this album, I can bawl my eyes out to this album, all of which is a good sign. I have that addicting type of personality. If I read one book in a series, I have to read the whole series. If I fall in love with an author, I must read their complete collection. I told you, addicting personality. I wish I was joking when I say that for the last two years my favorite song has been "Little Lion Man" by Mumford and Sons. No, it has never wavered. That has been my favorite song to the point of being a joke among by friends including Tina and Lauren. But this album, is giving Mumford and Sons and "Little Lion Man" a run for their money. This album is full of slow songs, but full of heart. A whole lot of heart. The band is a trio who you can tell love what they do. There isn't a single song on this album that I have a need to skip. Which is hard for me because as much as I have an addicting personality I also have this need to skip through CDs. One of my top three CDs of 2012, I skip through. I know, the shock! Led by Wesley Schultz on guitar and lead vocals, the Lumineers album make it feel like they are able to read your soul and sing straight to it. Wesley is backed by Jeremiah Fraites on percussion, drums, and the like and Neyla Pekarek on cello. But this band isn't Wesley's show with two back up artists, this is a true trio. They all get along, they all have fun with each other and one can hear that on the album. It doesn't matter if it is a slower song like "Charlie Boy" or a upbeat happy song like "Ho Hey" you can feel that they love singing and playing together, which makes the album even better to listen to. Plus, I had a chance to meet them recently and they all three are super nice and excited people, which to me is important, because if an artist is mean in an interview or to a fan it is harder for me to really enjoy their music. But don't get me wrong, if they were horrible, I'd still be addicted to this album. I'm thrilled that this album is one of my top three of the year. And no, I won't tell you the order. No matter how often you ask. But really, you should give them a shot, you know how hard it is for me to recommend music. That's more panic inducing to me then recommending books. You can stop laughing now.

The Lumineers are a folksy trio who stick to their roots. Accompaniment is minimalist: guitar, cello, mandolin, percussion (stomps, claps, tambourine, drums). The lead vocalist's voice is more down-home than polished or pretty, but it fits the music perfectly. He sings with conviction and emotion. The backing vocals range from light harmonies to rowdy shouts. Passion infuses their songs, whether the catchy "Ho Hey" or the heart-wrenching but electrifying "Morning Song." They have a gift for crafting instantly engaging melodies, but they do enough with them so that they don't get stale after repeated listens. As simple as the music is, it resonates emotionally so that it continues to captivate and inspire. Each listen is rewarding and emotionally fulfilling. My first inclination is to compare them with the Avett Brothers (particularly "I and Love and You") and Mumford and Sons. But I realize both of these comparisons are lacking. There's no banjo here. The overall sound is simpler. But this isn't a deficiency. It suits their songs beautifully. This self-titled recording is near perfect. The first track, "Flowers in Your Hair", feels incomplete because it's so short and ends abruptly. The second track, "Classy Girls", takes a while to get going, but it evolves into a foot-stomping good time. "Submarines" is the first complete and instantly captivating song. But the hits just keep coming thereafter. There really isn't a dud on the album. As of now, Amazon has each of the album's songs available to stream in full. Take the opportunity to sample the album in its entirety. There's a good chance you won't regret it. If this style of music appeals to you, you can't go wrong. Excellent album!

Many thanks to Amazon for the recommendation of The Lumineers self-titled album that I received in my email inbox a few months ago. Even though I realize the solicitation was nothing more than the product of an automated mathematical algorithm: "based on his past purchases, there is 95% probability that he will purchase The Lumineers". It's really OK because I like math too. If it wasn't for that email, I may still be fumbling around in the dark searching for something new to fulfill my musical appetite. Well, let me say I am acoustically satisfied. This album is like a smorgasbord of edible melodies, cooked up just right to be ingested by your ears, but digested by your soul. This stands in stark contrast to much of today's music; that which is manufactured for fleeting infatuations of money, ego, glamour, and PC issues. The true beauty is in the simplicity of the tunes - which offers a type of contentment - perfectly placed in the history of time for an insatiable culture overwhelmed by the plethora of information at its fingertips, and practically begging for a return to its traditional roots. From Jeremiah's choppy percussion which includes, but is not limited to, the legendary hand clap - to the haunting backdrop of Neyla's cello - to Wesley's unparalleled vocals; these three musicians (and more when playing live!) blend their talents together perfectly. Not to mention the random yet somehow synchronous background shouts which add to the flavor of the songs. Of course there will be stand-out tracks, one being "Stubborn Love" which was phenomenal played live, but I recommend the album as a collective whole. Some complain of the short track lengths; ironically, I think it intelligently deliberate, leaving the listener scratching their ears for more. I refuse to marginalize this music by attempting to unfairly categorize it into some specific musical genre. The music is timeless and pure. Finally, on the eve of this great nation's birthday, I'd like to close by saying God bless America, and God bless The Lumineers.

Heard a song or two on the radio by this band that I had never heard of. Submarines is what really caught my attention as well as Ho, Hey. There is an infectious beat. I also previewed some of their performances on YouTube. I purchased the CD and was not disappointed. I like every song and most I really, really like. That is saying a lot because sometimes you buy a CD and there is only one good song on it. If you, like me, sometimes want to find a new band/artist to stimulate your musical taste, I would not hesitate to recommend The Lumineers. Preview the songs here at Amazon and, if you like what you hear, you will like the CD. Oh, and I just heard the Lumineers were nominated for a Grammy.

Thank you to Amazon for featuring this on the MP3 main page. I just happened to click the sample button and the song that played hooked me enough to listen to more samples from the CD and then the $5 price-tag sold me, I gave in and bought the entire album. I can honestly say I have been listening to this ENTIRE album on repeat, non-stop since I bought it. I work from home, so when I am first settling into the morning, firing up my laptop and drinking my first few cups of coffee, this album totally sets the pace of the day. There's mellow, wine-drinking songs that make you a bit melancholy and then there's more up-beat, toe-tapping tunes that rev me right up. It's the perfect, perfect album for a road trip, a long walk, or cleaning around the house. This is the kind of album you want on repeat in the background when you have friends over for wine and dinner. Listen to this album carefully, you'll certainly find songs that speak right to your heart. But no matter what, don't skip any tracks the first time you take a listen. If you do you might just miss a song that will eventually become your favorite. P.S. I totally suggest giving this album as a gift to that hard-to-buy for friend with a hand-written note and a bottle of wine. Perfect pairing.

Simple, yet brilliant songwriting. Strong (and extremely catchy) melodies run throughout this album, and the lyrics are creative and evocative, as well. The album tends to lose my attention in the last two or three songs, but this album is so strong right from the start that I really don't care that it fades a little toward the end. I feel like a lot of bands attempt this type of folk sound, but The Lumineers are one of the few who absolutely succeed; their sound is tight and coherent, but with plenty of space to wander and keep things varied and interesting within and between songs. This is one of my top two or three records of the year so far, and a favorite new band.

Every song on this album is a great song, if you want music that you can just put on and enjoy immediately buy this. The packaging came in good condition.

Sounds great

j'adore cet album ! je le trouve magnifique. ça fait un bien fou d'écouter de l'excellente pop ... folk américaine ! un vrai régal. A la 1ère écoute, sur certains morceaux et sur certaines phrases j'ai pensé à Dylan... Il y a le tube Ho Hey mais l'album dans son ensemble est excellent. Ma préférée Stubborn Love avec le violon folk c'est magnifique, très belle chanson émouvante et dansante à la fois, j'adore Big parade sur cette chanson il me fait penser à Dylan, Classy girl , Submarines, elles sont géniales ces chansons !! bref j'adore . Juste un petit bémol pas de livret avec les paroles, c'est dommage .

Great album 👌

Il cd è molto bello e suona bene , inoltre è arrivato con molto anticipo sulla data prestabilita.

Aunque es muy sencillo el diseño en general es un gran album, ademas estuvo a muy buen precio.

Disco folk-rock de muy buena música. Interesante para quienes les gusta la música de este tipo, y para los que no también, por su variedad de matices musicales. Recomiendo su compra.